James Juke and Kim Galloway (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

Recovery Engagement Program

ASK Wellness launches new program to help transition clients toward recovery

Mar 6, 2026 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — ASK Wellness in Kamloops is looking to smooth the transition for clients seeking recovery services in the community. This week, the agency announced the launch of a recovery engagement program with the express purpose of helping people navigate the sometimes complex journey toward recovery, helping connect them to services and resources such as detox, treatment and other harm-reduction services.

James Juke spends his days at low-barrier housing facilities throughout Kamloops, planting seeds of recovery that are already beginning to grow into success stories.

“I have been coming around now for a little bit and people are already getting to notice me and they are already recognizing me,” said Juke of visits to places like Pathways. “And that is sparking conversations about recovery and I can see people’s interest in recovery.”

ASK Wellness began the recovery engagement program a month ago, but already that trust gained by Juke being present resulted in a pair of clients going into detox, with many others lining up behind.

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“Letting people know these programs are here and people are willing to help and just showing up in their lives consistently is something that maybe a lot of people have never had,” said Juke. “By showing up and being there, it gives them something to look forward to – some hope.”

The money for the two-year program came from the federal government, distributed by the City of Kamloops through the reaching home fund.

“(It’s) helping folks navigate detox services, treatment applications,” said Kim Galloway, operations officer for ASK. “But I think just the real beauty and the humanity of the program [Juke] has created is being able to go into those settings and give a little bit of that emotional relief and planting the seeds, saying recovery is real.”

The emotional side can sometimes be the largest hurdle in a path to stable recovery.

“It’s saying, ‘It is possible. Just let me walk with you. I can’t pull you but I will walk with you and navigate the systems with you. And it’s okay, share your fears. Share some of the excitement, too,'” said Galloway.

People can’t be forced into recovery, but ASK’s new program is ensuring when they are ready, somebody is prepared to catch them.

“Recovery seems so far away, it seems like it’s impossible,” said Juke. “In fact, there are people who I talk to who think they will never be able to get out and I know that is not true. I know with a little bit of help and support, and programs like this and other programs that ASK provides, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”